South African Court grants citizens living abroad right to vote: should the African Diaspora demand same rights?

As much as I would like to celebrate the recent ruling by South Africa's Constitutional Court to uphold the voting rights of citizens living abroad, there is something bitter- sweet about seeing other countries make strides in the right direction while my own continues to languish in untold suffering. But, for what it’s worth, SA must be congratulated for joining other enlightened countries that recognize their citizens’ rights to vote.

All African countries should follow suit and pass laws allowing their citizens abroad to vote. In fact, they should follow in the footsteps of Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde and Mozambique, which not only allow their citizens abroad to vote, but also let them elect their own representatives to the national legislature. African Diasporas should have their own representatives but, for that to happen, I am sure citizens abroad will have to organize themselves to fight for that dream. The idea that this should be granted on a silver platter by the political elite is a dream that will not come true. Everyone must fight for their own dreams.

While I can appreciate the challenges facing many countries, including lack of capacity, resources, and statistics to enable citizens abroad to vote, I find it inexcusable that voting in Africa is a life threatening exercise. During elections, lives are lost, homes are burnt down and people are brutalized- just for exercising their right to vote. I know that many countries (politicians) do not seem to aspire to much for their citizens but, would it be too much to ask African countries to conduct free and fair polls and ensure that voting does not pose the same risk as HIV/AIDS?

If only we could organize free and fair polls, the verdict of those living in the country could be a fair reflection of the wishes of the electorate, including those living outside.